Rating: 
Summary: Stuart Woods continues to disappoint
Review: Cold Paradise is his worse book yet. Stuart has either lost his touch, gotten lazy, or needs to find a new ghost writer. This story has no depth, no intrigue, no substance, no nothing. I am very familiar with Stuart Woods' work, he was my favorite author for many years and his first works are great reads. But his ability to write interesting stories has all but evaporated. Cold Paradise is the last Stuart Woods book I will read. I'm only glad the book was loaned to me by a friend and I didn't have to waste my money on it.
Rating: 
Summary: easy-to-read light entertainment
Review: Cold Paradise is the seventh in a series of Stuart Woods' books featuring Stone Barrington. Stone Barrington, a former New York City policeman, is a lawyer who is often more involved in investigative work than in legal work. The setting is Palm Beach, an appropriate setting for the rich and famous characters Woods enjoys using. The main story is Stone's attempt to protect Allison Manning who is afraid of her former husband Paul Manning, a murderer who is thought by many to be dead. In trying to protect Allison and resolve issues from her past, Stone unravels threads that include characters and stories from previous Stone Barrington novels.Stuart Woods has written dozens of novels including an eighth Stone Barrington novel released in 2002. His first book, Chiefs, was awarded the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America. The book includes some interesting twists and a variety of action scenes. At every turn, Stone connects with law-enforcement officers who have knowledge of Paul's actions during the years since his "death." Women from Stone's past appear frequently, often unexpectedly, and Stone's receives help from his colorful former partner, Dino, in solving this difficult case. By failing to relate events to the main story or the various subplots, the author leaves the reader with a feeling that Cold Paradise lacks the connections that are needed in a good mystery. The focus of the story is Stone's search for Paul Manning and his efforts to protect Allison. However, in the initial meeting between Stone and Allison, she hires him to make a settlement with the insurance company and her concern about Paul seems to be an afterthought. She vaguely mentions seeing her husband and doesn't express a fear for her safety. Cold Paradise also lacks the character development that adds interest to a story. Perhaps those who have read the other Stone Barrington books will have a greater sense of the characters and an interest in their lives. Cold Paradise is for readers who enjoy an easy-to-read mystery with continuing characters from previous novels.
Rating: 
Summary: Stone Barrington is back and better than eve
Review: Former police officer turned lawyer Stone Barrington agrees to help a client's love life if he can. Thad Shames, a Gates-like billionaire, met Liz at a Long Island house party and fell in love with her, but she left before he learned anything except her name and that she lives in Palm Beach. When Stone arrives in Palm Beach, a Mrs. Harding calls because she needs his services. They meet at a restaurant where he is shocked to realize he knows her and that she fears her husband is stalking her. Stone quickly concludes that she is Thad's Liz. He reunites them and acts as a bodyguard, but has no protector from his own wife who escaped from her keepers and wants Stone dead. Stone Barrington is always a pleasure to read, particularly about his bumbling interactions with women, which make him all the more precious. The whole gang from previous tales reunites adding to the fun of an enjoyable, fast-paced story line. COLD PARADISE is an engaging legal thriller led by a huggable hunk. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Its hot in Palm Beach!
Review: I am a huge fan of S. Woods, and I LOVE Stone Barrington. He's one of my most favorite continuous characters to read. I have to say I did thoroughly enjoy this book. The humor between Stone and Dino keeps the reader involved. I have to say that I would love to see the Arrington and Stone relationship a little more explored (I guess I'm just the true romantic, you know wanting to see the impossible happen)but I loved the conflicts between him and Dolce and Allison/Liz. I can't wait to read The Short Forever, its on my list NEXT!
Rating:
Summary: Its hot in Palm Beach!
Review: I am a huge fan of S. Woods, and I LOVE Stone Barrington. He's one of my most favorite continuous characters to read. I have to say I did thoroughly enjoy this book. The humor between Stone and Dino keeps the reader involved. I have to say that I would love to see the Arrington and Stone relationship a little more explored (I guess I'm just the true romantic, you know wanting to see the impossible happen)but I loved the conflicts between him and Dolce and Allison/Liz. I can't wait to read The Short Forever, its on my list NEXT!
Rating:
Summary: Another great Stone Barrington story
Review: I don't agree with several of the previous reviewers on this book. I loved it!! I was introduced to Stuart Woods books several years ago and became an instant fan of his writing, characters and story lines. I thoroughly enjoy the Stone Barrington stories and find his character to be full of fun, charisma with the ladies, probably quite handsome as well as intelligent and well schooled in detective work as well as the law. He's a woman's man for all ages----and very loveable. I'd love to read more of him with this story's "lady" Callie. They sound quite "hot" together. Perhaps this story line will be carried into the next novel as Arrington continues in the stories. It's always a great read-----and a perfect book for that outdoor hammock or beach chair. I'll look forward to the next Stuart Woods book and just know that I won't be disappointed. I haven't been yet. Enjoy a good read.
Rating:
Summary: Exciting book!
Review: I enjoyed reading Cold Paradise, a continuation of the Stone Barrington series in which characters from several previous novels (Dead in the Water, Swimming to Catalina, etc...) emerge in a highly coincidental fashion. My main criticism is that it seemed unrealistic that Stone, as a lawyer and ex-NYPD officer, magically is able to command the attention and resources of several law enforcement agencies who listen to his every whim. I suppose the rationale behind this is that his NYPD background makes other police agencies want to listen to him more than they would the average lawyer.
Otherwise, the books fits the typical Stuart Woods formula of being highly entertaining. I also liked how in this story Stone describes the snobbish elite but it is apparent that he does not become a worshiper of this part of society the way it may have seemed, for example in Swimming to Catalina. Stone certainly finds wealthy clients but that's attributable to his connection to a prestigious NY law firm and his unusual background and role. I think it is an excellent "beach-type" read. I look forward to the next book!
Rating:
Summary: Another good easy read about our favorite character.
Review: I enjoyed the latest edition of Stone Barrington's continuing adventures. If you are looking for a fun easy read while sitting on the beach, you will enjoy this book. If it is a literary piece of art you hope to find, keep looking. What makes Woods a good writer in my opinion is his ability to tell a story and make you care about his characters. That tradition continues in Cold Paradise. So as not to spoil the story, I won't go into any details. Stone meets up with several characters we were introduced to in previous Woods books and goes on an adventure that most of us could only daydream about. Along the way, he gets yet another girl and makes yet another rich and powerful friend. It is easy to see that one or two of the characters in Cold Paradise will end up in other Stone Barrinton books if the series continues.
Rating: 
Summary: No Real Hook
Review: I expected better of Mr. Woods. This rambles along at a leisurely pace, introducing character after character - while the reader just waits for something to happen. Too much going on, too little excitement.
Rating:
Summary: Wow, loved it!!!
Review: I have been reading Oprah books for over a year now and my brain was tired, so I picked this up in the grocery store isle for a lite read. Well I could not put it down. Now here I am on Amazon looking for the Stone Barrington Series. I was excited to learn there are stories leading up to this one and am looking forward to reading them. I hope they are as hot as this one!
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